Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has expressed renewed optimism about returning to international cricket, while acknowledging that no fixed timeline has been set for his comeback. Speaking in a recent interview with a Bangladeshi daily, the former captain indicated that his future in the national side will largely depend on regaining full fitness, rhythm, and competitive sharpness.
Shakib admitted that his time away from the game has created a significant gap, but remained confident that consistent training could help him return to his previous standards. He emphasised that modern cricket demands sustained physical conditioning, yet believed that his experience and work ethic would allow him to bridge the distance if given adequate preparation time.
On the question of when he might realistically return to international duty, Shakib declined to provide a definitive timeframe. He suggested that setting rigid deadlines would be impractical given the uncertainties of form and fitness, stating that progress would need to be assessed gradually through training and match exposure.
The discussion also touched on Bangladesh’s future planning, particularly comments from newly appointed chief selector Habibul Bashar, who recently indicated that Shakib could be considered not merely for short-term series involvement but also as part of a longer-term strategy leading towards the Cricket World Cup 2027. Shakib responded positively to this perspective, suggesting that such forward planning would also help him structure his own goals and preparation.
While he ruled out a strong focus on Test and T20 cricket at this stage, Shakib hinted that he could still contribute in selected One Day Internationals, a format in which he believes his experience and all-round abilities remain highly valuable. However, he was careful to avoid making firm commitments, stressing that selection and performance would ultimately determine his role.
Shakib also reflected on his mindset regarding major tournaments, acknowledging that confidence is important but not a guarantee of success. He underlined that selection decisions and on-field performances over a few series would provide a clearer picture for both himself and the national selectors.
Key Statements Overview
| Topic | Shakib’s Position |
|---|---|
| Return timeline | No fixed timeframe set |
| Fitness outlook | Confident of regaining form with training |
| Preferred format | ODI cricket as primary focus |
| Test/T20 future | Limited or minimal involvement expected |
| World Cup 2027 | Open to long-term planning inclusion |
| Selection philosophy | Performance in series will decide role |
Overall, Shakib’s comments reflect a cautious but optimistic approach to an international return. While uncertainty remains regarding timing, his openness to structured preparation and selective participation suggests that his future with Bangladesh may still feature in key white-ball assignments if fitness and form align.